New York is one of the largest and most expensive cities in the world. Deciding where to stay in New York is an important decision that will determine the experience of your trip, and especially what budget you should devote to your accommodation. Each area is quite different from each other and also the prices of its hotels.

The city is composed of "Five Boroughs" , which would be five large metropolitan districts: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. The most recommendable area to stay in New York is Manhattan. However, we must know that it is the most expensive area in New York, but there are alternatives such as Brooklyn or Queens. These two areas are much cheaper and are perfectly connected to Manhattan with the subway.

If you decide on Manhattan you have to keep in mind that it is an island with an extension of about 21.6 kilometers long and 3.7 kilometers wide. It is also made up of several districts that are really different.For example, little has to do with districts such as the Financial District, China Town, Midtown, or Harlem.

Accommodations in the most central neighborhoods are the loudest, the busiest and the most expensive. On the contrary, the quieter, most authentic and economical neighborhoods are a little farther.

1. The Financial District

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The financial district where Wall Street is located is located south of Manhattan. It is a very lively neighborhood during the day but it remains quite empty at night as it is an area almost exclusively dedicated to business. It's a good choice to stay in New York City if you are traveling for business or looking for a really quiet area in the evening.

Hotels in The Financial District

2. China Town

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China Town is one of the most symbolic districts of New York and that we have seen so many times on TV. It is a lively ethnic neighborhood full of shops, street vendors, restaurants and streets full of activity. It may not be one of the most popular places to sleep in New York, but it is one of the most affordable areas and you can find a good offer.

Hotels in China Town

3. Soho

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In the past it was the most bohemian and artistic area of the city. Now it is one of the most chic neighborhoods, full of boutiques and luxury stores. That old bohemian and artistic atmosphere has moved to other areas such as Chelsea. It is one of the expensive areas of Manhattan.

Hotels in Soho

4. Greenwich Village

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Greenwich Village, or simply The Village, still retains its soul neighborhood. It is a lively area where large stores coexist with small neighborhood stores. It is also one of the main references of New York nightlife. You will find very good restaurants and jazz clubs, and also some of the best clubs in the city. It is a very entertaining area and without a doubt one of the most fun to stay in New York.

Hotels in Greenwich Village

5. Chelsea

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Chelsea associated with The Village shares many features with this area. In recent years, many art galleries have been moved or opened in this neighborhood. Chelsea has become the center of modern art in New York and the new bohemian and artistic neighborhood of the city.

Hotels in Chelsea

6. Lower East Side

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The Lower East Side is an eminently residential area and where as in The Village you can experience the typical New York neighborhood life. It also has very good restaurants, and is another favorite place for New Yorkers to party. Some of the clubs that are more fashionable are in this area. Soho, Chinatown and Little Italy are very close.

Hotels in Lower East Side

7. The Midtown

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Midtown is one of the first neighborhoods where tourists looking to stay in New York. It is a highly demanded area where hotels fill up fast and where they are more expensive. It is the most central district, and here you can find such emblematic places as Times Squares, the heart of the city, the Empire State Building, or the Broadway theaters among others. It is a neighborhood with a lot of traffic of people and cars, and with a lot of noise. If you are looking for a quiet place to sleep in New York, this is not your best option.

Hotels in The Midtown

8. Central Park

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Central Park is a huge park located in the center of Manhattan that measures 4,000 m long and 800 m wide. The park separates two large areas that are quite different from each other: the Upper West Side and the Upper East Side.

The Upper West Side is a much quieter residential neighborhood than Midtown and where you will find some tourist attractions such as Central Park, the Lincoln Center or the spectacular Natural History Museum. 

On the other hand, the Upper East Side is also a residential area but much more exclusive and expensive than the West Side. It is one of the most expensive areas of the city. It is one of the most expensive areas to stay in New York.

Hotels in Central Park

9. Queens

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Queens is a cheaper alternative to Manhattan to stay in New York. Their hotels are cheaper and it may be even more comfortable to have your accommodation here than in what areas of Manhattan. For example, it almost takes the same time to get to Midtown from several parts of Lower Manhattan or the Upper West Side.

Hotels in Queens

10. Brooklyn

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Brooklyn on the other hand and like Queen is an excellent alternative for those who are looking for cheaper accommodation than what you find in Manhattan. Brooklyn is a nice neighborhood where many artists have settled and it has a good tradition of music bars with good live music. Like Queens is easily connected to Manhattan.

Hotels in Brooklyn